Matt Weichers and his wife, Jennifer, owners of Northern Iowa Shrimp, have been quietly growing 150,000 Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) in 20, or so, tanks in a small, temperature-controlled warehouse since early October 2013. They use a recirculating water system that generates zero waste. “We add no chemicals, no hormones,” Matt Weichers said. “We add nothing but salt water, shrimp and food. …We’re creating a nearly perfect environment for them.” On December 20, 2013, the Weichers began selling their first crop to the public at $20 a pound.

According to Cheryl Shew of Zeigler Bros., a company that sells shrimp feed to about 50 aquaculture farms across the country, says there are six small shrimp farms in Iowa.